She was born Feb. 4, 1920, in Bridgeport, Conn., the daughter of Louis and Mary Safko. She attended school in Bridgeport, and she graduated in 1938 from Bridgeport High School. On Feb. 14, 1942, she married David F. Stender, of Tunbridge, Vt. They lived in Bridgeport, Conn., for a short time before moving to Chelsea where they lived the rest of their married life. David died on Aug. 26, 1998.

Mary worked at Vermont Life magazine in Montpelier, Vt., Orange County Extension office in Chelsea, Vt., and for many years at the Orange County Probate Court in Chelsea. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed gardening, arts and crafts and making pierced lampshades.

She is survived by three sons, David Stender Jr., of Scotia, N.Y., Paul Stender, of Williston, Vt., and Lee Stender, of Chelsea, Vt.; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, David F. Stender, and a sister, Anna Richardson.

There are no public calling hours or funeral service, but a private graveside service will be held later this spring in the Hunt Cemetery in North Tunbridge, Vt. The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, Vt., is in charge of arrangements. Messages of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.